Hachnasas orchim, inviting guests into one’s home and around their table, is a beautiful mitzvah with a powerful message. Following his bris milah, Avraham Avinu experienced tremendous discomfort, yet our formative father stood focused on opening the doors of his tent to others in need of hospitality. One can discern that a tzadik is never satisfied from past accomplishments and always seeks new ways to make a lasting impact. This concept is true of the sages from every generation, giving us an impetus to act similarly.
The tale is often told of a distinguished businessman who got stuck in a certain city for Shabbos. Left with few options for his Shabbos seudah, the financier planned a few quick errands and came to terms with spending Shabbos alone in his hotel room. While out shopping, the entrepreneur encountered a local rabbinical leader who invited him to grace his table as his family’s Shabbos guest. On erev Shabbos, the handsomely dressed man appeared on the doorstep of the rabbi’s home as requested. To his surprise, the rabbi handed him a staggering invoice totaling $1,000 for the accommodations. The acute businessman opted to stay at the home of the rabbi hoping to make the best of the encounter. The guest helped himself to an extra glass of wine, a sizable portion of challah, and doubles of soup. The man also put in a request for a fine bed, and truly enjoyed his stay. At the conclusion of Shabbos, the businessman handed the rabbi an additional $200 tip for going above and beyond in tending to his desires. However, the saintly rabbi refused even one solitary dollar, explaining his course of action was to ultimately obtain the complete mitzvah of hachnasas orchim. When inviting a guest into your home, think of this approach and recall Avraham Avinu’s determination.
Rabbi Yaniv Meirov is the rav of Congregation Charm Circle in Kew Gardens Hills, and CEO at the Chazaq Organization, where he advocates on behalf of klal Yisrael. Locally, Rabbi Meirov serves on the Community Board 8 and is Vice President at the Queens Jewish Community Council. Parshah Power follows the vision of Yechiel Kupferstein, Yeshiva Ketana of Queens alumnus and founder of Siyum Yomi.
